Background: Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic disorder characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis involving the capillaries and by the deposition of IgA immune complexes. An association between HSP and atypical bacteria is uncommon in children.
Methods and results: Here we report three cases of children, aged 5, 4 and 16 years, who were diagnosed with HSP associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. In all presented cases, persistent cutaneous manifestations and abdominal pain were resistant to antibiotics and corticosteroids, but resolved during 48 h after the introduction of dapsone. No adverse effects of treatment were observed.
Conclusion: Dapsone, a sulphone with an anti-inflammatory activity, showed remarkable therapeutic efficacy against rash and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with HSP. Its administration should be considered particularly in persistent cutaneous form of HSP.
Keywords: Henoch-Schönlein purpura; atypical bacteria; children; dapsone.